Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

(NOC 2231)

in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Civil engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals, or may work independently in fields like structural engineering, municipal engineering, construction design and supervision, highways and transportation engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering and environmental protection. They work for consulting engineering and construction companies, public works, transportation, and other government departments and in many other industries.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 20 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Estimate 3410 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 5690 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$17.21

Minimum

$28.00

Median

$42.86

Maximum

Annual Pay

$14,733

Minimum

$46,694

Median

$80,356

Maximum

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

Hourly Pay

$18.00

Minimum

$34.90

Median

$54.10

Maximum

Annual Pay

$13,568

Minimum

$60,422

Median

$107,009

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Civil engineering technologists:

Develop engineering designs and drawings from preliminary concepts and sketches.
Prepare construction specifications, cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports.
Supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings, and structures to provide data for engineering projects.
Conduct or supervise inspection and testing of construction materials.
May supervise, monitor, and inspect construction projects.

Civil engineering technicians:

Help develop engineering specifications and drawings.
Participate in field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings, and structures to provide data for engineering projects.
Perform other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities.

Sample job titles

agricultural engineering technician
civil engineering technician
civil engineering technologist
construction engineering technician
environmental technician
land use technician
road traffic technician
soil testing technologist
solid waste disposal technician
structural engineering technician

Skills

You should enjoy technical work and mathematics, and have an interest in science. A high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability may be necessary. You must be precise, analytical, and able to work alone or as part of a team. Good spoken and written communication skills are important. Familiarity with computers is also required. Physical stamina may be required for fieldwork.

Job requirements

A two- or three-year college program in civil engineering technology or a closely related discipline is usually required for civil engineering technologists.
A one- or two-year college program in civil engineering technology is usually required for civil engineering technicians.
Certification in civil engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.

Other considerations

There is movement to related roles like drafting technologists and technicians and construction inspectors and estimators. Movement to construction supervisors or construction managers is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

405

employed in 2016

87.8%

employed full-time

2.4%

self employed

13.4%

86.6%

36.7

median age

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

25,875

employed in 2016

91.5%

employed full-time

7.6%

self employed

20.0%

80%

42.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

56.1%

Halifax

$46,207 median annual income

15.9%

North Shore

$60,375 median annual income

12.2%

Annapolis Valley

$57,731 median annual income

11.0%

Cape Breton

$45,255 median annual income

4.9%

Southern

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

43.5%

Professional, scientific and technical services

24.2%

Public administration

12.9%

Construction

4.8%

Utilities

4.8%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

What is the age of Employment?

23.0%

15-24

22.0%

25-34

18.0%

45-54

17.0%

55-64

16.0%

35-44

4.0%

65+

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

24.2%

25-34

23.5%

45-54

23.4%

35-44

16.4%

55-64

7.7%

15-24

Top levels of education

45.1%

College Diploma

$57,304 median annual income

18.3%

High school

$17,488 median annual income

13.4%

Bachelor

$28,901 median annual income

12.2%

Trade Certification

$45,270 median annual income

11.0%

Diploma Below Bachelor

$35,348 median annual income

Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology

33.1%

College Diploma

$59,986 median annual income

29.8%

Bachelor

$63,965 median annual income

11.9%

High school

$45,835 median annual income

9.9%

Master

$65,105 median annual income

6.9%

Trade Certification

$57,773 median annual income

Education & training

Civil Engineering Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels and other facilities. They include courses in site analysis, structural testing procedures, field and laboratory testing procedures, plan and specification preparation, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Engineering Technology - General

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in a wide variety of projects. They include courses in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties.

Institutions providing this program

Cape Breton University

Sydney, NS

Website

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Engineering Technicians and Technologists

Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.

Regulating body:

TechNova

Dartmouth, NS

info@technova.ca

Website